2016 Topps MLB Wacky Packages

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

From the Cardboard Connection
Looks far superior to the cancelled Star Wars Wackys, but not sure I'll even bother picking up a base set off eBay.
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Merging the entertainment and sporting worlds, 2016 Topps MLB Wacky Packages offers a humorous take on professional baseball. Available in two formats, the basic Hobby boxes keep things simple while the Hobby Collector Box promises one premium hit.

Covering all 30 MLB teams, top MiLB teams, traditional baseball foods and notable events, the 90-card base set parodies a wide array of the MLB. While both hobby boxes include Grass-Colored (1 per pack) and Gold (#/25) parallels, the Collector Box takes things up a notch with multiple exclusive parallels. This includes Sepia (1 per pack), Black Ludlow Back (1 per box), Red Ludlow Back (#/10), Lumber (#/5) and Printing Plates (1/1). Collector Boxes are also the only place to find Artist Autograph base cards (#/5).

While the base stickers are obviously meant to be fun, the autographs and relics are all the real deal. Mascot Autographs feature the 2016 Topps Baseball design and sticker autographs for the furry creatures. Active Stars Autographs showcase the same basic card format but include signatures from current players.

A pair of relics can also be found in 2016 Topps MLB Wacky Packages. Stadium Seats Relics include a piece of game-used seat from an MLB ballpark while Ticket Relics contain a 1.5" x 1.75" piece of an authentic ticket from a noteworthy game.

All hits are available in Red (1/1) parallels that are exclusive to Hobby Collector boxes. Adding to the premium options, Sketch cards are also found.

Estimated Release Date: 3/9/2016
Product Configuration: Hobby - 10 cards per pack, 24 packs per box, 8 boxes per case
Product Configuration: Hobby Collector - 6 cards per pack, 14 packs per box, 6 boxes per case
Price Point: Low-End Entertainment Card
Target Audience: Wacky Packages Fans, Set Builders

2016 Topps MLB Wacky Packages Hobby Box Break
240 Total Cards
2016 Topps MLB Wacky Packages Hobby Collector Box Break
1 Sketch Card, Autograph or Relic Card
1 Black Ludlow Parallel
84 Total Cards

[RawGoo]

Did any sport cards from back in the day really have Ludlow backs, or is this something completely manufactured to attract Wacky collectors?

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

Did any sport cards from back in the day really have Ludlow backs, or is this something completely manufactured to attract Wacky collectors?

sports cards have pretty much always been cardboard stock, like the old checklists, and had player or team stats on the backs.

there may have been an oddball sticker set, but I doubt there were any ludlows. Purely a calculated grab for wacky collectors on this.

[jleonard1967]

I am liking the newness of it.  (however i didn't like the star wars crossover same concept)  I wonder if it will have crossover appeal?  I will be ordering the collector boxes.  Did it say when the ordering is to begin?

[lucidjc]

This is not Wacky, its just wacked.  I think Topps is so off base with this one.


Jim

[Ruffs]

Is this going to be the " One Wacky Packages item per year due to lack of sales ". ..?

[DrDeal]

Is this going to be the " One Wacky Packages item per year due to lack of sales ". ..?

They will still do a WP 2016 release in addition to this one. I hope the humor in this set is not baseless. Topps keeps throwing curveballs.

[Paul_Maul]

I love wackys and love baseball cards, and I don't love these.

[Joe G.]

I love wackys and love baseball cards, and I don't love these.

Guys, please show a little support.  This is from the home team and we really do bring our A game to every new Wacky set Topps creates.

[DrDeal]

Guys, please show a little support.  This is from the home team and we really do bring our A game to every new Wacky set Topps creates.

So buy this release if we want to see future WP releases?  I guess i see the logic in that direction. Count me in!

[Zenergizer]

They will still do a WP 2016 release in addition to this one. I hope the humor in this set is not baseless. Topps keeps throwing curveballs.

Have you been able to confirm that there will be another WP 2016, with all due respect? 

[Swiski]

I think these are kinda cool in a strange way! Looks like every spoof will focus on a major league team, showing the logo. Can't wait to see what they do for our home team the Milwaukee Brewers!

[jleonard1967]

I think these are kinda cool in a strange way! Looks like every spoof will focus on a major league team, showing the logo. Can't wait to see what they do for our home team the Milwaukee Brewers!

Yes that I would like to see since they don't use Alcohol or Cigarettes in Wackys anymore

[DrDeal]

Have you been able to confirm that there will be another WP 2016, with all due respect?

At the Philly show the Topps rep confirmed they will be doing one regular WP release per year. The 2016 WP Release will probably come out in the second half of the year.

[Hustler08]

Guys, please show a little support.  This is from the home team and we really do bring our A game to every new Wacky set Topps creates.

It also depends on how much they will charge for these - overpriced - and demand will 'whiff' - lower priced and demand might be sustainable 0 it might be a one-off at best depending on how good the stickers are and how well the link will be for each parody...might be a stretch...still "on the fence" - (pun intended)

[ratchet007]

Guys, please show a little support.  This is from the home team and we really do bring our A game to every new Wacky set Topps creates.

Makes me feel like I'm being held hostage. Buy this now so maybe you can have that later. Sorry Topps, not happenin'.
By the way Joe, this is not a personal affront to you or any of the other Wacky artists. I have no doubt that you guys bring your "A" game every time.

[Joe G.]

Makes me feel like I'm being held hostage. Buy this now so maybe you can have that later. Sorry Topps, not happenin'.
By the way Joe, this is not a personal affront to you or any of the other Wacky artists. I have no doubt that you guys bring your "A" game every time.

I didn't say buy it (Andrew said that), I just ask to give it a chance until you've seen it.  Three small jpegs are posted and already, for some,  the jury is out.  The images shown are by Smokin' Joe and although it's hard to see them clearly, I know the artwork is killer and the gags will be fun.  How do I know this?  Because it's Smokin' Joe!  You know the players (Smokin' Joe, Neil Camera, Dave Gross, Joe Simko, Paul Harris et) and know they love Wackys as much as you do and are doing all they can to keep the flame of Wackys going for years to come. 

ps.  I kinda guessed on the artists, now that I look closer maybe the Sushi is Dave Gross?  Not sure, Patrick you're always good at calling these, any thoughts?

[lucidjc]

"the Topps rep confirmed"

These are the same people who promised you your uncut sheet. 

[lucidjc]

Guys, please show a little support.  This is from the home team and we really do bring our A game to every new Wacky set Topps creates.

Sorry Joe, I cant get onboard with these, ALL everyone wants are Postcard sets (Halloween or otherwise) And this is the crap they are feeding us???  I hate baseball, should be called Scratchballs! 3 hours of men adjusting jocks...I'll pass.


Jim

[DrDeal]

I wonder how many avid Topps Baseball card Collectors will buy a box just because they are a novelty and have never been done as a stand alone release?

They might sell alot of these to sports fans.   Time will tell.

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

ps.  I kinda guessed on the artists, now that I look closer maybe the Sushi is Dave Gross?  Not sure, Patrick you're always good at calling these, any thoughts?

To me, all three have the 'look' of Dave Gross pieces, in the style, the liquids, and the highlighting.

[Joe G.]

Sorry Joe, I cant get onboard with these, ALL everyone wants are Postcards sets (Halloween or otherwise) And this is the crap they are feeding us???  I hate baseball, should be called Scratchballs! 3 hours of men adjusting jocks...I'll pass.
Jim

Jim, I am crushed but I'll get over it.   
The Postcards are awesome.  Not sure why we haven't seen hide nor hair of them since series 9 but I guess Mike might have been the engine that kept those going.  The thing I miss most are the comics.  It was such a shame to only have one Official Wacky Day Comic.

[Joe G.]

To me, all three have the 'look' of Dave Gross pieces, in the style, the liquids, and the highlighting.

Patrick, I'll concede on the Honey and Sushi but the Tea gag screams Smokin' Joe to me.  I wish we had higher resolution images to examine.

[Swiski]

Jim, I am crushed but I'll get over it.   
The Postcards are awesome.  Not sure why we haven't seen hide nor hair of them since series 9 but I guess Mike might have been the engine that kept those going.  The thing I miss most are the comics.  It was such a shame to only have one Official Wacky Day Comic.

To be honest, I don't miss the comic books. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't get the fascination with them! Spoofs of products, real or made-up is the bread and butter of the Wacky franchise. I'm excited about these MLB Wackies, just as I was about the ill-fated Star Wars Wackies. I just hope these don't get the axe too.

[Zenergizer]

Me, I love the postcards, especially the Halloween ones, and of course I understand how costly they may be to produce, although the price that Topps was charging should at least give them a profit?

Joe, I always loved the comics, too, shame they just disappeared quickly like that.
Who knows, we can dream, right?

The baseball set does look interesting and promising, after reading more specifics about the set.  Being a Boston fan, I do like the tea bag concept, and I was relieved it wasn't about something else.... whew

[DrSushi]

To be honest, I don't miss the comic books. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't get the fascination with them! Spoofs of products, real or made-up is the bread and butter of the Wacky franchise. I'm excited about these MLB Wackies, just as I was about the ill-fated Star Wars Wackies. I just hope these don't get the axe too.

I'm with you - I'm more interested in these MLB Wackys than the comics. I'm looking for the MLB Wackys get some media attention, hopefully Topps will release them during Spring Training.

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

Patrick, I'll concede on the Honey and Sushi but the Tea gag screams Smokin' Joe to me.  I wish we had higher resolution images to examine.

yeah, that third one I'm just not sure.

Beckett News posted a sharper version of it, but it's still small. What do you think?

[Joe G.]

Patrick, I'm still thinking Smokin' Joe as he tends to have a ton of folds and wrinkles in his fabrics.

[slamjim]

I did the Dodgers Sushi and the Cubs Honey pieces.

[RawGoo]

I'm looking forward to the set, but will decide later based on prices whether or not to buy boxes or just a base set.  I'm thinking these will be at least as expensive as regular Wackys just because of the licensing costs.

[koduck]

Me, I love the postcards, especially the Halloween ones, and of course I understand how costly they may be to produce, although the price that Topps was charging should at least give them a profit?

Joe, I always loved the comics, too, shame they just disappeared quickly like that.
Who knows, we can dream, right?

The baseball set does look interesting and promising, after reading more specifics about the set.  Being a Boston fan, I do like the tea bag concept, and I was relieved it wasn't about something else.... whew

Glad to hear you liked the postcards and comics so much! They were sure a lot of fun while they lasted, weren't they?! Mike and I were really interested in specialty releases, and these were a nice way to satisfy a small niche market with great art, gags and very limited numbers.  On that note, I think the MLB Wacky release will be well received, but for different reasons.

[Paul_Maul]

I'm looking forward to the set, but will decide later based on prices whether or not to buy boxes or just a base set.  I'm thinking these will be at least as expensive as regular Wackys just because of the licensing costs.

Good point. For a long time Topps football cards never featured helmets or team logos because Topps didn't want to pay for the privilege.

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

4-page flyer is out there now, with info and images previously posted

http://www.allsportsmarketing.net/featured-home/adobe/16_Topps_Wacky_Packages_MLB_Baseball_Collector.pdf

[Swiski]

So what's the real skinny on why Wacky Packages products are not produced as much as they used to be? Is it because of poor sales, lack of interest, C&D letters from companies threatening to sue, or a combination of all the above? I guess we should consider ourselves lucky to get one ANS set per year, but I really miss the excitement 10 years ago when there was extra cool stuff like Old School, postcards, and other merchandise. Some of the veterans of the old forum make a rare appearance on this forum, but some people like Greg Grant fell off the face of the earth. Will there ever be another comeback?

[DrDeal]

Glad to hear you liked the postcards and comics so much! They were sure a lot of fun while they lasted, weren't they?! Mike and I were really interested in specialty releases, and these were a nice way to satisfy a small niche market with great art, gags and very limited numbers.  On that note, I think the MLB Wacky release will be well received, but for different reasons.

Neil,   

 Maybe you can shed a little light on what I might pull out of a collector box that would make things exciting. By that I mean are there going to be any altered art cards or rarer very cool items like the super rare Patch Relics in WP2015. I want to know if there will be any surprises in the collector boxes other what has been published. Thanks for your efforts on this set.